[10/2/01] After over a year of having their case dragged out by the Walker County judicial system, the Huntsville 8 have now received a trial date for one of the defendants, Ben Browning.
We have demanded that the state drop all seven charges of criminal trespass, and one felony charge of assault, but Texas insists on taking us to trial in order to prove that those who protest their bloody system will be silenced.
However, the blood on their hands from the execution of Shaka Sankofa has left a permanent mark on the minds of many who now see the oppressive, racist nature of the death penalty.
This trial will expose what is happening on death row, and that the only crime committed on June 22nd was the murder of Shaka Sankofa by the state of Texas. We need your support to carry this out! Instead, we will put them, the real criminals, on trial.
In the past, we have always been accompanied by supporters when called into court for our motion hearings (release of evidence, change of venue, etc.). As we go to trial, we hope to see an even greater show of support. Pack the courtroom! The two important dates right now are:
Friday, October 5 (this Friday): Docket call at 8:30 AM We will meet at 6:45 AM, and leave at 7 AM from the closed Denny's at Crosstimbers and 45 North.
Monday, October 15: First day of trial at 8 AM We will meet at 6:30 AM, and leave at 6:45 from the above location.
If others on the docket go to trial, the October 15th date may be rescheduled, but we do not anticipate this happening.
Ben's trial will have a great impact on the rest as its will determine what the rest of the Huntsville 8 defendants face for their criminal trespass charges - a class B misdemeanor punishable by a maximum of 180 days in jail and $1,000 fine. Packing the courtroom will send a strong and clear message to the Judge that the public is watching! This first trial is critical!
The recent publication of the statement, "Justice Demanded for the Huntsville 8" with its endorsements from supporters in the U.S as well as Europe, reflected a strong, unified voice, demanding that our charges be dropped. It has helped to spread the awareness that the Texas Death Machine committed the only crime on June 22, 2000, the day the Huntsville 8 were jailed.
What you can do:
1. Pack the courtroom!
2. Write the Judge and District Attorney to demand all charges are drop immediately!
Walker County District Attorney David P. Weeks, (936) 435-2441, 1036 11th Street, Huntsville, TX 77340
Judge Barbara Hale, (936) 436-4900, 1100 University Avenue, Suite 101, Huntsville, TX 77340
3. Make a donation to our defense fund: Please make checks payable to Huntsville 8 Defense Committee Mail checks to "Huntsville 8 Defense Committee," 5380 W. 34th St., #386, Houston, TX 77092
For more information or to organize travel arrangements:
Phone: (281) 587-6805
Email: huntsville8@hotmail.com
5380 W. 34th Street # 386
Houston, TX 77092
[posted 10/4/01]
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